Parks director reports $6.3M into general fund last year; commissioners question golf budget variances

Director Callaway provided an overview of Parks and Recreation operating budgets and capital projects during the March 23 meeting.

Callaway said divisional budgets are grouped into 13 separate units (including golf courses, Safe Key and Tiny Tots). As of the February 28 report she presented, the fiscal year was about 67% complete, revenues were at roughly 86% of projections and expenditures at about 58% of expected spending. She told the commission that Parks and Recreation contributed approximately $6,300,000 to the general fund in fiscal year 2025, with the majority of that revenue coming from the city’s golf operations.

A commissioner asked why the municipal golf course budget showed a shortfall while Boulder Creek showed a surplus; Callaway explained each course operates on its own budget within the department’s overall allotment and that as director she must ensure total departmental expenditures stay within the $7,800,000 allotment. Callaway noted the municipal course has been partially closed for a large project through September, which affected rounds and revenue, while Boulder Creek saw construction impacts from adjacent housing projects and temporary closures that shifted work schedules.

Callaway also outlined FY2027 capital items for parks including shade structures, pump track design, and golf course equipment allocations ($100,000 general golf course improvements and $75,000 for municipal course equipment). Commissioners did not vote on budgets at the meeting; the presentation served as an informational overview.